DE: Delaware’s 30th Annual Amish Country Bike Tour

Dover, DE Exit 4, Route 7: Delaware’s 30th Annual Amish Country Bike Tour is held in the state’s capital, Dover, It is the largest cycling event and one of the East Coast’s favorite bike tours.  Last year, 2,200+ cyclists from 25 states and England participated in the event. Amish Bike Tour

The Bike Tour starts and stops at Dover’s historic open air park, Legislative Mall. The tour has five loops: 15, 25, 50, 62 and 100-mile loops through FLAT back roads, farmlands and Delaware’s Amish community. Along the route, there are four food-rest stops with food and beverages, slices of locally baked pie and a fully-catered BBQ meal at the end of the tour.

The Amish Country Bike Tour is an experience that is suitable for all ages and abilities, from beginners and families to serious cyclists. The event goes on rain or shine

Location: Historic Dover, 411 Legislative Ave, Dover, DE 19901
Date: Sat, Sept 10, 2016
Time: Optional start times: 7 – 10am
Tel: 800-233-5368
amishcountrybiketour.com

For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitdover.com

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MA: No Tickets Needed for Newburyport Waterfront Party

Newbury Riverfront Music FestivalNewburyport, MA Exit 58: Wrap up the summer on the waterfront at the 15th annual Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival. From noon to dusk crowds gather at the Waterfront Boardwalk, to revel at this free, open to the public show.

Enjoy gratuitous comedy by the area’s best performers on the boardwalk while sipping a cool beverage, be wowed by street performerssample delicious goodies from local food vendors in Historic Market Square, and relax after sunset on the lawn to music from new and returning local artists, ranging from soft rock to country music selections.

A full afternoon of great music and fun entertainment bring Downtown Newburyport alive for the Labor Day weekend. Attendees are encouraged to get there early with blankets & chairs for this end-of-summer finale.

Location: Waterfront Park, 36 Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA
Date: Sat, Sept 3rd, 2016
Time: 11:30 – 6 PM
Tel: 978-462-6680
theriverboston.com/attend/riverfront-music-festival
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: newburyportchamber.org

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GA: Go Hog Wild for Savannah’s Bacon Fest

Savannah, GA Exit 99: Get ready, bacon lovers because it’s the 3rd annual Savannah Bacon Fest, celebrating the awesomeness of bacon, returns to River Street from Sept. 2-3.

Local restaurants will be serving up some mouthwatering bacon creations at their booths all festival long.  Some of the items to look forward to are: candied baconchocolate egg with bacon, bacon popcornbacon brownies, pork belly lollypops, and smoked bacon wrapped jalapenos. Anatomy of the Baby Back Rib

Bacon Lovers unite on Historic River Street. The fest starts on with First Friday fireworks at 9:30 pm.  The pork filled festivities will continue on Saturday with loads of bacon, bacon inspired art and bacon products of every kind, regional artist booths, entertainment and family fun. Admission is Free. Location: Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, 115 East River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Date: Sept 02 – 03, 2016
Time: Fri 4-10pm, Sat 10-10pm
Tel: 912-234-0295
riverstreetsavannah.com/event/bacon-fest-2
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions:
visitsavannah.com

 

 

 

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GA: Wild Horses Graze on Georgia’s Cumberland Island

Wild Horses - Cumberland Island

St Marys, GA Exit 3 to Highway 40 East:  A short ferry ride (passengers only) transports you to the treasured, pristine Cumberland Island National Seashore, the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia, offering visitors over 17 miles of secluded, white, sandy beaches.

Preserved and protected for future generations, Cumberland Island National Seashore includes a designated wilderness area, undeveloped beaches, historic sites, cultural ruins, critical habitat and nesting areas. Walk on the footsteps of early natives, explorers, and wealthy industrialists.

You can’t explain Cumberland, you experience it. Time moves to the rhythm of nature. On this National Seashore, it is the animals that are the inhabitants and people are only visitors. The majestic sweep of deserted sandy beach is dotted with shells and usually deserted, except for the wild horses roaming at will. The dramatic slope of the dunes is a constant work in progress, sculptured by the wind and sea. The inland’s, majestic live oak and palmetto forests provide shelter for the horses, deer, turkey, alligator, armadillo, mink and a tremendous variety of coastal birds.

You’ll find campsites, hiking trails and first-come-first-serve bike rentals on the island. There are no amenities on the island beyond the restrooms and water fountains. You should bring lunch and water bottles to refill.

The visitor’s center in St. Mary’s, Georgia is the gateway to Cumberland Island. Here you can get tickets for the ferry over to the Island, as well as information about camping permits on the Island.

Location:Mainland Visitor Center, 113 Saint Marys St, GA 31558
Hours: Visitor Center  8 – 4 pm
Tel: 912-882-4335
nps.gov/cuis/index.htm
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions:
visitkingsland.com

 

 

 

 

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VA: Experience Richmond’s Foodie Culture

Richmond, VA Exit 78: Discover Richmond’s food scene by taking the Carytown Food & History Tour. Get acquainted with the neighborhood of Carytown, otherwise known as The Mile of Style, an eclectic mix of restaurants and boutiques while exploring Carytown’s food, history and culture on this 2.5-hour walking tour.

Along the way, you will be popping in and out of various restaurants, cafes, and shops. Get an insider’s perspective as you sample delicious food and snacks from 5-6 local eateries including food tastings of fresh seafood, world-renowned tacos, popular Virginia peanuts. Hear from owners and chefs about how these establishments got their start.BuznNeds crudo2 Juleps

Stop at some of the city’s iconic locations and learn about the unique, colorful history of Mile of Style and Richmond. This culinary and cultural walking food tour is authentic and quirky and the perfect mix of food, history, and fun.
Walking Distance: 1 easy mile, Rain or Shine.
PerleysDeli

Location: Carytown, Richmond, VA 23221
Date/Time: Every Sat at 2:00pm
Tel: 804-479-8929
rivercityfoodtours.com/tours/carytown-food-tour
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitrichmondva.com

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RI: Stargazing Nights at Frosty Drew Observatory

Charlestown, CT Exit 92: If you’re looking for that fun science thing to do, or just want to get out under the stars and marvel at the stunning stars cape overhead, then this is your chance to be astonished with the fascination of astronomy at Frosty Drew Observatory and Sky Theatre.

Every Friday night (weather permitting) the dome , sky theatre, and telescopes are open to the skies starting at 6:00 pm or after sunset, whichever comes later. Live views of the night sky and the cosmos are free for public viewing to anybody interested in stargazing.

The observatory stays open late, sometimes until dawn, to view the Moon, dazzling planets, bright stars, speckled star clusters, mesmerizing nebulae, and vast galaxies. Catch your first glance of the rings of Saturn, the Moons of Jupiter, or the ion tail of a comet. The sky awaits you at the Frosty Drew Observatory and Sky Theatre’s acclaimed Stargazing Nights, a unique astronomical experience for all.

Location: Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory, 61 Park Lane, Charlestown, RI 02813
Date:  Every Friday until Dec 30, 2016
Time: 6 – 11:30 PM
Tel: 401-859-1450
frostydrew.org/events/StargazingNights
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: southcountyri.com

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FL: Ultimate Nighttime Beach Adventure: Sea Turtle Rescue

Ft Lauderdale, FL Exit 29: STOP is a non-profit sea turtle conservation organization made up of local volunteers who rescue and release disoriented sea turtle hatchlings in Broward County. Incorrect coastal lighting(light pollution) causes sea turtle hatchings to go towards the city instead of to the sea.

The memorable nighttime adventure begins when you hit the sand with Sea Turtle Oversight Protection  (S.T.O.P.) staff after a brief presentation. Throughout the rescue trained volunteers will be sharing important facts about the coastal habitat, the magnitude of sea turtles to the ocean ecosystem and challenges these animals face the moment they emerge from their sandy nests.

You will have a rare opportunity to possibly observe the natural wonder of newborn sea turtles emerging from a nest, while seeing the threats they face and observing trained staff rescuing turtles that mistakenly scurry to the bright city lights. After all are safely recovered, celebrate their release at the ocean’s edge as these ancient mariners get another chance to continue their epic journey of survival.

Turtle Treks take place in evenings during peak sea turtle nesting season (June- Sept). Due to the late hour and nature of the program, it is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
100% of the Turtle Trek proceeds help fund rescue operations.

Location: S.T.O.P. Headquarters, 3104 NE 9th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Dates: til August 27, 2016- Recurring weekly on Thurs, Fri, Sat
Time: Thurs, Fri  @ 7:30pm, Sat nights, 7:30 & 11:30pm
Tel: 954-404-0025
seaturtleop.com/index.php/turtle-walk
For Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: sunny.org

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FL: Architecture and Tasting Tour in South Beach

Miami Beach, FL Exit 2D, to I-395 E: Attention all foodies, you are going to love this guided walking tour featuring the most important meal of the day – breakfast.

The Art Deco Breakfast Tour lead in the South Beach area of Miami Beach entices you to experience the flavors and architecture with a guided walking tour through one of the largest collections of art deco buildings around and educating you on the melting pot of cultures of the district.

Get acquainted with what South Beach has to offer with an array of colorful architecture, hidden treasures, music, smells, food, art, and people. Hear fascinating stories, get a deeper appreciation of Art Deco, MIMO and Mediterranean Revival edifice all while savoring  through the whirlwinds of smells and food that different cultures in Miami have to offer.

The piece de resistance is  the scrumptious tastings along the way. With four food stops, you get to try lots of delish breakfast nosh including beef empanadas, guava pastelitos, churros and cuban coffee at places where locals go. Leave with a full belly and a great list of affordable places that most visitors would never find.
Duration: 90 minutes, Walking distance: About 1 mile, Tour goes on rain or shine.

There are many other food tours are available including the popular Little Havana Food Tour that is 2 1/2 hours long and features 5 restaurant stops through the lively and family-friendly community of one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. miamiculinarytours.com/tour/little-havana-food-tour

Location: Two blocks from Ocean Drive – Exact location disclosed with ticket purchase
Date: Daily, call first
Time: 10:30 am
Tel: 786-942-8856
miamiculinarytours.com/tour/south-beach-breakfast
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: miamiandbeaches.com

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VA: Be a Prospector For the Day and Dig For Gold

Spotsylvania, VA Exit 118 to Route 606: During the summer months, Lake Anna State Park offers “Stampmill Sam’s Gold Adventure,” a gold-themed event, two to three times a week (check the online events calendar here).

Nearly a century and a half before the North Anna River was dammed to form today’s Lake Anna, prospectors panning in Spotsylvania County’s Pigeon Run struck gold. So began a 60-year rush for the precious metal and the establishment of the Goodwin Gold Mine, the remains of which now lie within the boundaries of Lake Anna State Park.

Become a prospector, explore and follow in the footsteps of “Stampmill Sam”. This  2-hour adventure allows participants an opportunity to experience gold prospecting firsthand with a van ride to the former site of the Goodwin Gold Mine. Partakers learn about various methods used to mine the region’s gold  in Virginia in the late 1800’s. Afterwards, you pan for gold on the shores of Pigeon Run Creek where shiny orange-ish specks can still be found amid the clay and quartz.

Be sure to pick-up a Park Activity Guide and a Trail Map at the Main Office or Visitor Center. This program is fun for all ages and is very popular so pre-registration at the park’s Visitor Center is recommended (540-854-5503, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.). Cost: $5 parking fee, $2 per person or $6 per family.

Location: Lake Anna State Park, 6800 Lawyers Rd, Spotsylvania, VA 22551
Dates: Aug 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 20, 25, 26, 27, Sept 1, 2, 2016
Time: mostly 2- 4pm (there are a few 11 – 1pm- please check calendar)
Tel: 540-854-5503
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/lake-anna#general_information
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions:
visitspotsy.com
visitfred.com

 

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NC: Watch a “Bout” of Live Roller-Derby Action

Fayetteville, NC (northbound)Exit 40/US-301 N, (Southbound) Exit 46B N, on HWY 87 til Exit 100: Roller Derby is alive and well in Fayetteville. Introduced in 2006 as the Rogue Rollergirls, Fayetteville Roller Derby has grown to include over 40 skaters.

The Rogue Rollergirls are the top 20 skaters in their League , each with an alter ego moniker, competing in sanctioned inter-league bouts against various teams home and away.

This is no ordinary group of women; the teammates are devoted to their community on and off skates. The league places a strong focus on partnering and participating in many neighborhood events, and raising money for local nonprofits and charities. Fayetteville being a military town, there are even some service members currently skating for the team.

So for some great entertainment and action packed excitement go watch live roller-derby action as the Fayetteville Rogue Rollergirls battle it out against the River City Rollergirls in an exhilarating home-team bout. All home bouts will be double headers, the second match will feature a showdown for bragging rights between the Wreckers and the Ritzy Rollers. The action is fast-paced, the hits are real, and there’s a ton of fun to be had at this family-friendly event. Parking at the Crown Complex is free.

Location: Crown Arena, at the Crown Coliseum Complex

Date: Sat, Aug 13, 2016
Time: 5 – 8pmTel: 910-438-4100
roguerollergirls.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfayettevillenc.com

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